Chalked-up concrete. Take sidewalk chalk to the kitchen with a writable cement backsplash, and have fun creating a rotating display of sketches, doodles and lists. A concrete floor can be treated the same way, depending on the finish used — so you can let the kiddos draw on the floor!

Bold Traditional Palette. Eye-popping colors aren’t just for contemporary kitchens. This handsome kitchen features an oversize bold red range set in rich, dark chocolate cabinets. The tile backsplash has an intricate pattern to it but, because of the neutral colors used, it complements rather than competes with the range.